Behind their own automobile rose the hum of motors, bearing troops also, and dragging cannon.
John felt that he was going back in state, riding by the side of a general and at the head of an army.

He found both pride and exultation in it.

Sleep was far from his eyes.

How could one think of sleep at such a moment?
But youth, the restorer, was bringing fresh strength to his tired muscles and he was never more alert.
At one point they stopped while the general examined the dusky horizon through his glasses, and a company of men with faces not French marched past them.

They were John's own Strangers, and despite the presence of General Vaugirard both Wharton and Carstairs reached up and shook his hand as they went by.
"Welcome home," said Wharton.
"See you again in the morning," said Carstairs.
"God bless you both," said John with some emotion.
Captain Daniel Colton nodded to him.